Butcher

Role overview

This role focuses on preparing, cutting, displaying, and selling meat items while upholding a polished store image and delivering consistently friendly, efficient service to customers and coworkers. The position must be carried out according to standard operating procedures, with full attention to food safety, sanitation, and other regulatory requirements. Team members are also expected to support store programs, regional initiatives, and the organization’s core values, and to be ready to take on related duties as needed across the team.

Key responsibilities

• Cut, portion, arrange, and present meat products such as beef, pork, lamb, veal, and poultry.
• Prepare specialty meat items including sausages, oven-ready products, and cured meats.
• Inspect merchandise to confirm it meets quality expectations.
• Support the in-store sampling program.
• Help reduce and prevent product spoilage.
• Guide and assist assigned Meat Cutter Trainees.
• Report to the workstation on time, dressed and groomed appropriately, and ready to work; complete all scheduled shifts, training sessions, and meetings.
• Provide prompt, courteous customer support, use suggestive selling techniques, and respond quickly to calls and pages.
• Increase sales by following proper routines for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising products.
• Follow all required procedures related to weights and measures, sanitation, health standards, and safe work practices.
• Keep the work and shopping areas clean and sanitary, and maintain equipment to required cleanliness and safety standards.
• Complete opening, mid-shift, and closing tasks as assigned, including checking sign and price accuracy.
• Report safety issues and rule violations immediately.
• Carry out other duties assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.

Required skills and working knowledge

• Solid understanding of meat department processes and procedures.
• Strong butchery and cutting ability, including breaking down product into sub-primal and retail cuts.
• Good knowledge of meat and seafood cuts as well as cooking methods.
• Ability to check product quality and freshness through visual inspection.
• Comfort with finding market-related information and sharing it with customers.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work well within a team.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and clearly with coworkers, customers, and vendors.
• Consistency in meeting customer service expectations in every interaction.
• Good judgment in following instructions, procedures, and time-management practices.
• Genuine interest in natural foods and the company mission.
• Strong work ethic and the ability to perform well in a busy, fast-moving setting.
• Commitment to quality standards and goals.

Experience and job conditions

Candidates should have at least 14 months of retail experience and have completed the Whole Foods Market Butcher Apprentice Program or an equivalent training program. UK exceptions may apply. The role involves physically demanding work and requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. In an 8-hour shift, standing and walking may be required for 6 to 8 hours. The job also involves single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching. Team members may be exposed to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals, freezer temperatures below 32°F, refrigerator temperatures between 32°F and 40°F, and temperatures above 90°F. Work is performed in wet and cold conditions, and the role requires safe handling of knives, cutting tools, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy equipment. A flexible schedule is necessary, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation and benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 to $30.00 per hour, depending on experience. Full-time and part-time team members may be eligible for Whole Benefits, which can include a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness support, health and wellness programs, and access to additional team-member perks. Benefit eligibility is determined under the applicable plan at the time of hire and can vary by location, length of service, and job type.

Equal opportunity and hiring support

The employer is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, gender including pregnancy, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. If you need help or a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process, contact the local Human Resources office at the worksite where you are applying.

Important notice

This summary is intended to describe the main responsibilities and requirements of the position, but it is not a complete list. Duties and expectations may vary by level, department, location, or business needs. Advancement to a higher level depends on strong current performance, a business need for the promotion, and being the best-qualified candidate. Completing milestones such as education, certifications, or time in role does not guarantee promotion.

Recruitment technology notice

The company uses a conversational AI assistant to support recruitment, transfers, promotions, interview scheduling, candidate questions, information collection, and progression through hiring workflows.